Course Descriptions

SOC 105 — Introduction to Justice Studies (4)
An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Justice Studies. Explores economic,
social, and criminal justice issues by means of sociological, philosophical, and legal
perspectives and methodologies. Students will critically assess the obstacles and
opportunities central to the pursuit of justice in the United States and abroad. Topics
of analysis may include formal legal systems, institutionalization of injustice, environmental
justice, and genocide.

SOC 311 — Inequality (4)
An examination of inequality in opportunity, educational and occupational attainment,
wealth and power, and its effects on individuals, groups, and societies. Will be analyzed
by interdisciplinary readings from historical and contemporary sources and analyses
of computerized data comparing social indicators by gender, race, and class. Diverse
perspectives on the quest for equality of different social groups;
- OR -SOC 313 — Race/Ethnic Relations (4)
An examination of the origins and character of contemporary relations among ethnic
and racial groups in the United States. Applications of sociological concepts and
theories to contemporary issues such as affirmative action, immigration, and racial/
ethnic stratification;
- OR -SOC 315 — Gender in Society (4)
A consideration of the development of gender identity and gender socialization in
a social context; how notions of femininity and masculinity are shaped within various
social institutions–family, work, media, education; and how these social definitions
change across the life course. Emphasis on how gender relations vary across communities–race
and ethnicity, sexuality, age, socioeconomic class, and nationality.

SOC 323 — Juvenile Delinquency (3)
An examination through multicultural and interdisciplinary perspectives of the nature
of juvenile delinquency and its causes. Choices in treatment, prevention, and control
of delinquents in different historical and cultural contexts, and variations in policies
affecting juvenile justice systems across nations.

SOC 325 — Criminology (4)
The nature and extent of crime in American society, theories of factors and influences
that are related to criminal behavior, and the impact of crime on society.

SOC 360 — Quantitative Research Methods (4)
The logic of procedures of social science methodology. Range of types of methods available
for various approaches to quantitative social research. Problem formulation, design,
data collection, and analysis of a research project.

SOC 442 — Analysis of the Justice System and Criminal Law (4)
Sociological examination of the juvenile and adult justice systems in the United States
within the context of race, gender, and social inequality. Overview of the processes
of the justice system from the commission of crimes and offenses through sentencing
and appeal procedures, with special consideration of the role and applications of
criminal law.

SOC 494 — Capstone Seminar in Community Service (4)
Selective placement of students in work-study situations in organizations which provide
service to the local community. Includes participation in a coordinating seminar and
producing a written analysis of the organization that demonstrates mastery of learning
objectives for the major.
- OR -SOC 495 — Internship in Criminology and Justice Studies(4)
Selective placement of students in work-study situations in organizations which provide
service to the local community. Includes participation in a coordinating seminar and
producing a written analysis of the organization that demonstrates mastery of learning
objectives for the major.

Electives

Students take at least 15 units of 400-level electives in the area of Crime and Justice,
or Communities, Inequalities, and Justice.

Schedule

Courses are held at the Temecula Margarita Campus located at 43890 Margarita Road, Temecula, CA 92592, during the day, Monday-Friday.